Geographic area screening tool for enhanced weathering utilisation and optimisation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- GB2023014318
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-26
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Field The present invention relates to the field of environmental science and more specifically to a computer-implemented method for identifying and analysing geographic areas as to their suitability for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. The present invention relates to a method for identifying and analysing geographic areas and climatic variables, including cropland and farmland, suitable for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. The method utilises one or more screening tools to facilitate the identification and analysis process, allowing a user to interact with the screening tool via a user interface. Background An enhanced weathering process is a geoengineering technique that involves spreading finely ground rock, such as mafic, ultra-mafic and other forms of silicate minerals, over large areas of land to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process has been proposed as a means to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Summary of Invention Aspects and / or embodiments seek to provide computer-implemented screening tools to identify suitable agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral. The screening tools can also identify suitable modes of transportation for transporting the identified rock or mineral from the sources to the agricultural lands. The screening tools can utilise information or data providing systems for the identification process. The results of the identification and analysis can be presented on an interactive platform or user interface, allowing end-users to interrogate or examine the presented results. According to a first aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method for analysing and identifying one or more geographic areas suitable for an enhanced weathering process using one or more types of silicate rock, the method comprising a user interface and the method operable to communicate with one or more data sources, wherein the one or more data sources comprise map data, raw data and pre-processed data; receiving a geographical area of interest from a user via the user interface, the geographical area of interest comprising one or more pre-determined geographical areas; retrieving data related to the one or more pre-determined geographical areas from the one or more data sources, said retrieved data comprising map data and raw data and / or pre-processed data; displaying the retrieved map data via the user interface to the user; receiving a user selection of one or more data layers to display via the user interface; generating the one of more data layers using the retrieved raw and / or pre-processed data; displaying the one or more data layers via the user interface; receiving input from the user to select one or more areas of interest within the geographical area of interest; and displaying at least one enhanced weathering score to the user via the user interface, the enhanced weathering score being calculated for the one or more areas of interest selected by the user. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising: generating at least one enhanced weathering score from the raw and / or pre-processed data. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the at least one enhanced weathering score indicates an enhanced weathering suitability of each of the one or more pre-determined geographical areas. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the enhanced weathering score comprises an average score indicating an enhanced weathering suitability of the geographical region of interest wherein the average score is generated from a plurality of scores, each of the plurality of scores pertaining to each of the pre-determined geographical areas. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising identifying one or more agricultural lands and / or one or more sources of specific type of rock or mineral and displaying these to the user in the user interface. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising identifying one or more modes of transportation suitable for transporting rocks or minerals to the one or more areas selected by the user or within the geographical area of interest. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more data sources comprise information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the user interface allows the user to select elements within the user interface in order to display the underlying data from the one or more data sources. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising allowing the user to edit data via the user interface, wherein the edited data is updated in the one or more data sources and the user interface is updated to show the results of the edited data. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one weathering score and / or the one or more data layers are displayed in the user interface as heat maps. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sources of data further comprise one or more real-time data and / or sensor data sources. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the user interface is continuously updated based on data received from the one or more data sources and / or user input. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising providing recommendations via the user interface to the user of one or more areas of interest using the at least one enhanced weathering score. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating instructions to perform enhanced weathering at the one or more areas of interest, the instructions comprising any or any combination of: one or more locations of minerals to use in enhanced weathering operations; one or more routes to transport minerals; one or more schedules to apply minerals in enhanced weathering operations; and optionally outputting said instructions. Optionally, the computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating predicted enhanced weathering results at the one or more areas of interest, the results comprising any or any combination of: predicted carbon sequestered; predicted rate at which carbon sequestered over time; predicted soil pH level over time; and optionally outputting said results. In embodiments, the method further includes identifying additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users. The presented results can be updated based on the additional identification. The identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation can be presented to the endusers on the interactive platform or user interface. In embodiments, the method can also continuously update the identification and analysis based on real-time data received from the information or data providing systems. These continuously updated results can presented to the end-users on the interactive platform or user interface. In embodiments, the method can further include providing recommendations to the end-users based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation performed by the screening tools. In some embodiments, scoring can be applied to regions or locations of interest that have been highlighted or selected by the user in the user interface. In one embodiment, the method includes analysing and identifying one or more geographic areas suitable for an enhanced weathering process using one or more types of silicate rock with one or more screening tools. In another embodiment, the method may include identifying one or more agricultural lands and one or more sources of specific type of rock or mineral with the one or more screening tools. In yet another embodiment, the method may include identifying one or more modes of transportation suitable for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands with the one or more screening tools. Additionally, the method may include the one or more screening tools using one or more information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation. The method may also include presenting the results of the identification and analysis performed by the one or more screening tools on one or more interactive platforms or user interfaces. In some embodiments, the method includes allowing one or more end-users to interrogate or examine the presented results on the one or more interactive platforms. In other embodiments, the method includes allowing one or more end-users to adjust or manipulate data based on manual verification or corrections (optionally this can then trigger a real-time update of the screening tool user interface based on these adjustments or manipulations by the user). In further embodiments, the method includes allowing the user with interaction and assistance from the computer-implemented method to identify the optimal locations within a geographical area to perform enhanced weathering. The method may also include identifying additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation based on the interrogation or examination performed by the one or more end-users with the one or more screening tools. In another embodiment, the method may include updating the presented results based on the additional identification performed by the one or more screening tools on the one or more interactive platforms or user interfaces. The method may also include prioritising the identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation based on the interrogation or examination performed by the one or more end-users with the one or more screening tools. In some embodiments, the method includes presenting the prioritised results to the one or more end-users on the one or more interactive platforms or user interfaces. The method may also include continuously updating the identification and analysis based on realtime data received from the one or more information or data providing systems with the one or more screening tools and / or interactions with, manual input of, or manipulations of the data or user interface by the user. In yet another embodiment, the method includes presenting the continuously updated results to the one or more end-users on the one or more interactive platforms. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include providing recommendations to the one or more endusers based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation with the one or more screening tools. Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustration of the method for analysing and identifying suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock where the figure shows the use of screening tools 100 for the analysis and identification process according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a depiction of the method where the screening tools 200 are used to identify agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral according to an embodiment; Figure 3 shows a representation of the method where the screening tools 300 identify suitable modes of transportation for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows an illustration of the method where the screening tools 400 use information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation according to an embodiment; Figure 5 shows a depiction of the method where the results of the identification and analysis performed by the screening tools 500 are presented on interactive platforms according to an embodiment; Figure 6 shows a representation of the method where end-users 600 are allowed to interrogate or examine the presented results on the interactive platforms according to an embodiment; Figure 7 shows an illustration of the method where additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are identified based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users with the screening tools 700 according to an embodiment; Figure 8 shows a depiction of the method where the presented results are updated based on the additional identification performed by the screening tools 800 on the interactive platforms according to an embodiment; Figure 9 shows a representation of the method where the identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are prioritised based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users with the screening tools 900 according to an embodiment; Figure 10 shows an illustration of the method where cropland within scope for a given mine location is presented to the end-users 1000 on the interactive platforms according to an embodiment; Figure 11 shows a depiction of the method where the identification and analysis are continuously updated based on real-time data received from the information or data providing systems with the screening tools 1100 according to an embodiment; Figure 12 shows a representation of the method where the continuously updated results are presented to the end-users 1200 on the interactive platforms according to an embodiment; Figure 13 shows an illustration of the method where recommendations for the source rock outcrop for enhanced weathering are provided to the end-users 1300 based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation with the screening tools according to an embodiment; Figure 14 shows an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of carbon sequestration potential for a given region of interest for a selected source of rock according to an embodiment; Figure 15 shows an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of estimated cropland within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment; Figure 16 shows an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of the mean annual precipitation within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment; Figure 17 shows an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of the mean pH within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment; Figure 18 shows an illustration of the interactive tool being used to generate a carbon sequestration estimate for a selected field according to an embodiment; Figure 19 shows an example of an output report for a region of interest according to an embodiment; Figure 20 shows an example of the system underpinning how the layers are displayed to the user via the user interface; and Figure 21 shows an example embodiment of the system providing live data, sensor data and stored data to the system for review and manipulation by the user via the user interface and for use to generate outputs from the system. Specific Description Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on the method for analysing and identifying suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock where the figure shows the use of screening tools 100 for the analysis and identification process. Figure 1 illustrates a method for analysing and identifying suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. The figure demonstrates the use of screening tools 100 for the analysis and identification process. These tools are instrumental in the process as they help in the identification of suitable areas for the weathering process. The screening tools 100 are used to analyse various factors such as the type of silicate rock available, the geographical location, and the suitability of the area for the weathering process. The tools are designed to provide accurate and reliable results, making the process of identification and analysis efficient and effective. The method involves the use of these tools to analyse and identify suitable areas for the weathering process. The tools are used to gather data and information about the areas, analyse the data, and identify the most suitable areas for the process. The identified areas are then used for the enhanced weathering process. The availability and composition of the silicate rock that is available is also important, for example whether the silicate rock is an active or dormant mine or quarry and whether there are reserves of spoil available that can be repurposed for enhanced weathering activities. The screening tool 100 displays a map 110 on a user interface. The map 110 also shows the use of various types of silicate rock in the process, by showing silicate rock sources 120 on the map 110 that can be interrogated by the user to determine the chemical composition (if known) or optionally the estimate chemical composition of each silicate rock source 120. The type of silicate rock used is an important factor in the process as it affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the weathering process. The tools are used to identify the type of silicate rock that is most suitable for the process. The screening tool 100 also displays various metrics 130 beside the map 110, the metrics 130 being calculated for the displayed map 110. The metrics 130 are calculated by averaging across multiple cells across a given map area, where the map 110 is made up of a plurality of cells (i.e. portions of the map) for which data has been pre-processed in order to allow efficient and fast calculation of the metrics 130 without significant delay in updating these metrics 130 as the user manipulates the user interface to zoom in or out of the map 110 displayed. The metrics in this embodiment include: the average soil pH for the map area displayed; the average annual precipitation in mm for the map area displayed; the estimated total cropland for the map area displayed. In conclusion, the embodiment shown illustrates a method for analysing and identifying suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. The figure shows the use of screening tools 100 for the analysis and identification process. The tools are used to analyse various factors and identify the most suitable areas for the process. The identified areas are then used for the enhanced weathering process. Referring to Figure 2, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on the method where the screening tools 200 are used to identify agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral. Figure 2 illustrates a method where screening tools 200 are utilised to pinpoint agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral. This process involves the use of these tools to analyse various geographical areas and identify those that are most suitable for the extraction of specific rock or mineral types. The identified agricultural lands and rock or mineral sources are then used in the enhanced weathering process. The screening tools 200 play a crucial role in this method, providing a systematic and efficient way to locate and identify the most suitable areas and sources for the process. The map interface is the same as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, there are highlighted the filters 210 and the layers 230 that can be used to interrogate / interact with the map shown in the user interface. The filters 210 can be used to select desired pH ranges, desired precipitation ranges, cropland areas within a given range, rock types of interest and PTE (potentially toxic elements limits / thresholds. This allows a user to identify and / or verify relevant climate factors required for enhanced weathering such as rainfall and temperature, and by proxy irrigation, and this can be used either by the user or the screener tool to calculate weathering rates / the speed of weathering of the silicate rocks. Further, the more acidic the soil in an area being considered for enhanced weathering, the greater the impact that enhanced weathering is likely to have - the rates of weathering slow dramatically in high pH soils and so users are unlikely to want to consider enhanced weathering activities on cropland with high pH. This allows only areas of interest, or data of interest, to the user to be displayed (or alternatively highlighted) in the map. Further, the layers 230 allow either calculated values or metrics, or data, to be shown selectively to the user on the map. For example, by triggering the cropland layer to be visible in the map, the user is able to see areas highlighted on the map indicated cropland areas 220. Examples of metrics that are calculated are metrics such as: potential carbon capture possible; and a score for suitability for enhanced weathering. Referring to Figure 3, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the screening tools 300 identify suitable modes of transportation for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands. Figure 3 illustrates a method where the screening tools 300 are utilised to determine appropriate transportation methods for moving a specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the designated agricultural lands. This process is crucial in the overall method as it ensures the efficient and effective transportation of the necessary materials for the enhanced weathering process. The screening tools 300 are designed to analyse various factors such as distance, cost, and availability of different transportation methods to identify the most suitable ones. This figure is a representation of the method's ability to optimise logistics and resource management in the implementation of the enhanced weathering process. Specifically, the user interface can be configured to display transport routes 310, such as road networks or rail networks, as well as mine and / or quarry locations 320 and conurbations 330. In addition, the farmland areas that are in scope for enhanced weathering can be overlaid as a layer on the map as described above. This allows the user to verify the data and toggle for example satellite photos of the map area to verify the transport routes 310 for suitability. Referring to Figure 4, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the screening tools 400 use information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation. Figure 4 illustrates a method where screening tools 400 utilise information or data providing systems for the identification of geographic areas, agricultural lands, and sources of specific types of rock or mineral, as well as modes of transportation. These screening tools 400 are integral to the process as they facilitate the analysis and identification of suitable areas for the enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. The screening tools 400 are designed to sift through vast amounts of data from various sources to identify the most suitable geographic areas for the process. They also identify the most appropriate agricultural lands that can benefit from the process, and the sources of specific types of rock or mineral that are required for the process. Furthermore, the screening tools 400 also identify the most efficient modes of transportation for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands. This is crucial for the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the process. In essence, the screening tools 400 serve as a comprehensive system for the identification, analysis, and prioritisation of all the elements required for the enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock. Shown in Figure 4 is the map overlaid with square regions 410 that indicate a “heat map”, showing the user which regions (based on their configuration of the user interface) meet their criteria (for example a region containing a certain percentage coverage, or certain acreage, of farmland that is suitably near a mine or quarry having supplies of suitable silicate rock and having appropriate transport links between farmland area and mine, and having sufficient precipitation annually and suitable pH soil). The heat map regions or squares, as shown in the Figure, can be displayed in different colours or different shades of colour, for example green showing regions that meet the user’s criteria while yellow regions only meet some of the criteria and transparent regions meet few or none of the criteria. Referring to Figure 5, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the results of the identification and analysis performed by the screening tools 500 are presented on interactive platforms. Figure 5 illustrates a stage in the method where the results of the identification and analysis performed by the screening tools 500 are displayed on interactive platforms. These platforms allow for a comprehensive and accessible view of the data, facilitating a better understanding of the findings. The screening tools 500 play a crucial role in analysing and identifying suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock, as shown in Figure 1. They also help in identifying agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral, as depicted in Figure 2. The screening tools 500 further aid in identifying suitable modes of transportation for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands, as represented in Figure 3. The screening tools 500 utilise information or data providing systems for the identification process, as illustrated in Figure 4. The interactive platforms, as shown in Figure 5, present the results of the identification and analysis performed by the screening tools 500, enabling end-users to interrogate or examine the presented results, as represented in Figure 6. The screening tools 500 can identify additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users, as illustrated in Figure 7. The presented results are updated based on the additional identification performed by the screening tools 500 on the interactive platforms, as depicted in Figure 8. The identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are prioritised based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users with the screening tools 500, as represented in Figure 9. The prioritised results are presented to the end-users 1000 on the interactive platforms, as illustrated in Figure 10. The identification and analysis are continuously updated based on real-time data received from the information or data providing systems with the screening tools 500, as depicted in Figure 11. The continuously updated results are presented to the end-users 1200 on the interactive platforms, as represented in Figure 12. Recommendations are provided to the end-users 1300 based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation with the screening tools, as illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 5 shows the map overlaid with specific regions of interest 510, which are highlighted for the user and are either based on default criteria that can be refined by the user or which are based on user defined criteria. Similarly, regions not of interest 520 can be left unhighlighted, for ease of identification by the user via the user interface. Further, carbon capture scores 530 can be calculated and overlaid on the map, either for the regions of interest or for the sources of silicate rock. Referring to Figure 6, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where end-users 600 are allowed to interrogate or examine the presented results on the interactive platforms. Figure 6 illustrates a stage in the method where end-users 600 are given the opportunity to scrutinise or investigate the results displayed on interactive platforms. This figure emphasises the interactive nature of the method, allowing users to actively participate in the process. The end-users 600 can delve into the results, potentially uncovering new insights or identifying areas for further exploration. This active engagement can lead to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the results, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the method. Figure 6 shows the user interface where a user has clicked on a square region of interest, or on a displayed data layer or cluster 630. A metadata viewer 610 is displayed and the region highlighted for the user to indicate which data is being interrogated. The metadata 620 is then displayed, but the metadata viewer 610 has controls to allow other data in that region to be reviewed by the user by changing the metadata 620 being displayed using the controls of the metadata viewer 610. Referring to Figure 7, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are identified based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users with the screening tools 700. Figure 7 illustrates a method where additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific types of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are identified. This identification is based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users using the screening tools 700. The screening tools 700 are designed to facilitate the identification process by analysing and processing the inputs from the end-users. The identified elements are then used to enhance the weathering process by determining the most suitable locations and resources. This figure is a continuation of the process depicted in the previous figures, where the screening tools were used to analyse and identify suitable areas and resources. The additional identification in this figure allows for a more comprehensive and accurate analysis, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the weathering process. Figure 7 shows the map in the user interface split into heatmap regions 720, displayed as a heatmap grid 730, for which the user can interrogate each heatmap region 720 to assess whether the heatmap region 720 highlighted meets their criteria for assessment of potential enhanced weathering sites. Referring to Figure 8, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the presented results are updated based on the additional identification performed by the screening tools 800 on the interactive platforms. Figure 8 illustrates a stage in the method where the results previously presented are updated. This update is based on additional identification carried out by the screening tools 800. These tools are used on interactive platforms, allowing for real-time adjustments and modifications. The screening tools 800 are instrumental in identifying new or overlooked elements, which are then incorporated into the existing results. This process ensures that the data presented is always up-to-date and comprehensive, providing the end-users with the most accurate and relevant information. In Figure 8, different heatmaps are shown being interrogated, for example by clicking on second heatmap region 820 the metadata shown in the heatmap metadata viewer 810 changes to display the relevant metadata for the second heatmap region 820. Similarly, the same process occurs if the user clicks on or otherwise selects the third heatmap region 830, whereby the metadata pertaining to the third heatmap region 830 is then displayed in the heatmap metadata viewer 810. Referring to Figure 9, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are prioritised based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users with the screening tools 900. Figure 9 illustrates a method where the identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific types of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation are prioritised. This prioritisation is based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users using the screening tools 900. The screening tools serve as an analytical instrument, enabling end-users to scrutinise the presented results and make informed decisions. The prioritised results can guide end-users in selecting the most suitable geographic areas for enhanced weathering processes, the most feasible agricultural lands for application, the most accessible sources of specific types of rock or mineral, and the most efficient modes of transportation. This method, therefore, provides a systematic approach to decision-making, ensuring optimal utilisation of resources and maximising the benefits of enhanced weathering processes. In Figure 9, the user interface is shown with a data editor 910 interface displayed. This data editor interface 910 allows the user to update or adjust data displayed in the user interface. For example, the user may have commissioned a site survey for an area of interest either to gather up to date information for a site or to source data that was missing in order to verify a site’s suitability for enhanced weathering. Alternatively, by using the multiple datasets able to be displayed in the tool, adjustments can be made to incorrect datasets from other datasets. For example, the user may have reviewed satellite photographs of an area and noticed that a mine or quarry location is incorrect and so has moved the mine / quarry location 930 using the data editor. Another example might be that the user has up to date precipitation information of pH information, and so uses the data editor 910 to update this for the region of relevance. Referring to Figures 10 to 13, a first embodiment of the interactive screening tool will now be described in more detail below, focussing on where the prioritised results are presented to the end-users 1000 on the interactive platforms; where the identification and analysis are continuously updated based on real-time data received from the information or data providing systems with the screening tools 1100; where the continuously updated results are presented to the end-users 1200 on the interactive platforms; and where recommendations are provided to the end-users 1300 based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation with the screening tools. Figure 10, as depicted, illustrates the method where the prioritised results are presented to the end-users 1000 on the interactive platforms. This figure is a culmination of the process that begins with the analysis and identification of suitable geographic areas for an enhanced weathering process using various types of silicate rock, as shown in Figure 1. The process continues through the identification of agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral (Figure 2), suitable modes of transportation (Figure 3), and the use of information or data providing systems (Figure 4). The results of this identification and analysis are then presented on interactive platforms (Figure 5), and end-users are allowed to interrogate or examine these results (Figure 6). Based on this interrogation or examination, additional identifications are made (Figure 7), and the results are updated (Figure 8). The identified areas, lands, sources, and modes of transportation are then prioritised (Figure 9), leading to the presentation of these prioritised results to the end-users as shown in Figure 10. The process is continuously updated based on real-time data (Figure 11), with the updated results presented to the end-users (Figure 12), and recommendations provided based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation (Figure 13). For example, in Figure 10, a prioritised mine / quarry location 1030 can be displayed with cropland within scope of the user criteria 1010 highlighted within a mine / quarry transport radius 1020. In a further example, in Figure 11, real-time data can be provided into the system. In Figure 11, for example, there is shown a relevant map area 1130 for which real-time data is available, and showing the data points 1120 that are updated in real time and the data source 1110 in a user data source window should the user want to interrogate the source of the data during their verification or due diligence steps. In Figure 12, the results shown in the user interface can be updated in real-time as the underlying data is updated or re-calculated. This allows the user interface to show a map with layers or overlays of interest such as the selected region information 1210, updated enhanced weathering potential sites 1220 and updated metrics 1230 such as potential carbon capture scores. In Figure 13, there is shown the output recommended enhanced weathering regions 1330 that are output by the screening tool, usually for a selected region of interest 1320, and also optionally showing the basis for the recommendation in a recommendation explanation / basis window 1310. Referring next to Figure 14, there is shown an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of carbon sequestration potential for a given region of interest for a selected source of rock according to an embodiment 1400 which will now be described in more detail. The user is able to use the interactive tool to select a region of interest 1420, which in this embodiment is a circular area surrounding a rock source point 1410. For the region of interest 1420, a carbon sequestration potential is generated and summarised 1430 for the user - in this embodiment various calculations are presented to the user including the total sequestration potential calculated by the interactive tool. In order for this calculation to be performed without significant delay for the user, or recalculated should the user change the size of the region of interest 1420 using the interactive tool, the underlying data used to calculate the sequestration potential is averaged for each portion of the map in order to allow faster calculation across the portions of the map included within the region of interest 1420. Referring next to Figure 15, there is shown an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of estimated cropland within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment 1500 which will now be described in more detail. The user is able to use the interactive tool to select a region of interest 1520, or in other embodiments the tool suggests a default area size that is preconfigured. In the embodiment shown, the region of interest is shown as a circular area surrounding the rock source point 1510. For this given region of interest 1520, the user interface displays a calculated estimate for the cropland within range of the rock source 1530 (i.e. within the region of interest 1520). If the user adjusts the size of the region of interest 1520 via the user interface, the estimate 1530. Referring next to Figure 16, there is shown an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of the mean annual precipitation within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment 1600 which will now be described in more detail. The user is able to use the interactive tool to select a region of interest 1620. Again, in other embodiments, the region of interest 1620 may initially be set by default to a preset area. The region of interest 1620 in this embodiment, as shown, is a circular around surrounding a point of interest, which in this case is a rock source point 1610 which is a potential source of rock material for an enhanced weathering process, such as a quarry or mine. For the region of interest 1620 shown on the user interface, an estimate is generated by the system of the mean annual precipitation 1630 within the range determined by the region of interest 1620 from the rock source point 1610. As the user adjusts the size of the region of interest 1620, the estimated precipitation value 1630 changes dynamically to reflect a value calculated for the adjusted size and / or shape region of interest 1620. Referring next to Figure 17, there is shown an illustration of the interactive tool displaying a summary of the mean pH within a region of interest for a given rock source selected by a user according to an embodiment 1700 which will now be described in more detail. The user is able to use the interactive tool to select a region of interest 1720, but in other embodiments the region of interest 1720 can be pre-selected based on presets in the system. The embodiment illustrated shows a circular region of interest 1720, but other sizes and shapes for the region of interest 1720 are possible in this and other embodiments, and can be manipulated by the user via the user interface of the interactive tool. The region of interest in this embodiment surrounds a rock source point 1710, which is typically a quarry or mine that can provide rocks for an enhanced weathering process. The user interface displays a generated estimate for the mean pH 1730 within the region of interest 1720. The generated estimate 1730 updates dynamically when the user adjusts the size, shape and / or position of the region of interest 1720 to reflect the mean pH 1730 within the currently displayed region of interest 1720 each time the user adjusts the region of interest 1720. Referring next to Figure 18, there is shown an illustration of the interactive tool being used to generate a carbon sequestration estimate for a selected field according to an embodiment 1800 which will now be described in more detail. In the user interface of the interactive tool, regions of interest as small as a single field 1820 can be selected in order to assess the properties and suitability of the region of interest for enhanced weathering, and the user interface allows the display and / or selection of one or more rock source points to be used to assess the potential for enhanced weathering within the selected region of interest such as the selected field 1820. Referring next to Figure 19, there is shown an example of an output report for a region of interest according to an embodiment 1900 which will now be described in more detail. The interactive system is able to output and / or generate several types of output report / instructions / data. In one embodiment, the system can output a report 1900 that shows a map indicating the region of interest 1920 selected by the user in the interactive system and various carbon sequestration data 1910 for the indicated region of interest 1920. Referring next to Figure 20, there is shown an example of the system underpinning how the layers are displayed to the user via the user interface 2000, according to an embodiment, which will now be described in more detail. The map displayed 2040 to the user via the user interface can be configured to show satellite images or rendered map data showing features of interest to the user, for example roads, pathways, quarries, farmland types, etc. Underpinning the map displayed 2040, however, are a variety of data pertaining to sections of the map, that may be toggled to be displayed to the user or can be used in different combinations to display calculations or estimates to a user. For example, to calculate a potential sequestration value for a region of interest, data from multiple different databases may need to be retrieved and multiple calculations performed in order to generate a value to display dynamically to the user for the region of interest. To enable these dynamic calculations to be made, an arrangement such as is shown in the illustrated embodiment is used. In this embodiment, three databases 2010, 2012, 2014 are shown, each of which stores data pertaining to a data layer to be triggered to be displayed or not via the user interface. In other embodiments one database can store the data for more than one layer (and potentially all layers), and in some embodiments more than one database can store data used for a single layer. The figure illustrates how the map displayed 2040 is split up into sections 2042, such that each displayed map 2040 comprises multiple neighbouring sections 2042. Each section 2042 can have multiple data layers 2020, 2022, 2024 associated with that section 2042 and the displayed layer 2020 for each map section 2042 is made up from the selection of the multiple possible data layers 2020, 2022, 2024 that is to be shown via the user interface. This allows the user to select what data is to be represented on the map 2040. The arrangement allows pre-computed data 2010, 2012, 2014 pertaining to each layer 2020, 2022, 2024 to be stored and provided when needed, to make the calculation of the displayed layer 2020 more efficient and therefore more likely displayed close to real time via the user interface. For example, if the user wants to understand the average precipitation for a large region of interest, computing this from the raw data for a large area would be computationally expensive and potentially intractable. If, for example, precipitation data is stored in the first database 2010 and the first layer 2020 represents precipitation data, then first database 2010 would be configured to store pre-computed average precipitation data across one or more different sized sections 2042, allowing the pre-computed average precipitation data to be averaged across the displayed map 2040 in order to generate an average precipitation estimate for the region of interest to the user. The user interface processing arrangement 2030 handles the calculations of the data displayed and outputs these to the user interface in order to display the map 2040 with any data layers 2020 to the user. In this embodiment, the map data is stored in one of the data bases shown and is treated as one of the data layers. Referring next to Figure 21, there is shown an example embodiment of the system 2100 providing live data, sensor data and stored data to the system for review and manipulation by the user via the user interface and for use to generate outputs from the system. In this embodiment, a processor 2110 is connected to a first database 2112, a second database 2114, a third database 2116, one or more live data feeds 2120, one or more sources of external data 2130, one or more sources of sensor data 2140. The processor 2110 uses these data connections to generate and display the user interface to a user and interact with the user when receiving user input 2150. The processor 2110 is also able to output instructions 2160 and data 2170. In this embodiment, map data and metadata are stored in a plurality of databases 2112, 2114, 2116. Purely as an example, first database 2112 contains the map data, second database 2114 contains averaged layer data and third database 2116 contains the raw layer data. In other embodiments more or fewer databases may be present. In other embodiments, the data contained by the databases may be configured differently, for example to blend types or layers / map data into a single database. By providing both averaged data and raw data, if an averaged amount for a section of a map is present, then calculations required to be shown on the user interface can substitute pre-computed averaged amounts, instead of computing an average across the raw data, to speed up the calculation of the averages needed to be displayed in the user interface. The processor is able to receive live data from one or more live data feeds 2120, such as satellite imaging data for example. The processor is also able to receive data from one or more external data feeds 2130, for example meteorological data such as rainfall data or temperature data. Finally the processor is also able to receive sensor data from one or more sensor data feeds 2140, so for example can receive either live data from sensors such as temperature or moisture sensors deployed at one or more locations of interest or data generated following the gathering of samples from one of more locations of interest, such as soil samples that are analysed in a laboratory and results provided to the processor 2110 via a feed 2140. The user is able to work with the displayed user interface to provide user input 2150, which can be to configure the user interface, interrogate the data and display / hide data in order to determine suitable candidates for enhanced weathering using the data available, and to correct data points that can’t be verified (either by deleting these, hiding these or adjusting these - such changes being fed back into the relevant database 2112, 2114, 2116 by the processor 2110 and causing an update to the pre-computed datasets and to the map displayed by the user interface). With this user interface the user is able to work with the data required and establish what areas within regions of interest are most suitable for enhanced weathering and then to use the system to output both reports and / or data for that region of interest 2170 but also instructions for enhanced weathering for either a broad region of interest (where the system can list the areas within that region that meet the user’s criteria for enhanced weathering operations) or for selected portions (e.g. fields), the instructions including where to source the enhanced weathering materials, what volumes to source, where to apply the materials and in what quantities and how often to apply the materials over time. In embodiments, the method identifies agricultural lands and sources of specific types of rock or mineral using the screening tools. The identified lands and rock sources are then used in the enhanced weathering process. In embodiments, the method also involves identifying suitable modes of transportation for transporting the specific type of rock or mineral from the identified sources to the identified agricultural lands. The screening tools can be used to facilitate this identification process. In embodiments, the screening tools used in the method are capable of using information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, rock sources, and transportation modes. This allows for a comprehensive and efficient identification and analysis process. In embodiments, the results of the identification and analysis performed by the screening tools are presented on one or more interactive platforms. This allows end-users to interrogate or examine the presented results. In embodiments, the method further includes identifying additional geographic areas, agricultural lands, rock sources, and transportation modes based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users. The screening tools can be used to facilitate this additional identification process. In embodiments, the presented results are updated based on the additional identification performed by the screening tools. This can ensure that the most accurate and up-to-date information is presented to the end-users. In embodiments, the identified geographic areas, agricultural lands, rock sources, and transportation modes are prioritised based on the interrogation or examination performed by the end-users. This can allow for a targeted and efficient enhanced weathering process. In embodiments, the prioritised results are presented to the end-users on the interactive platforms. This allows the end-users to easily access and understand the results of the identification and analysis process. In embodiments, the identification and analysis process is continuously updated based on real-time data received from the information or data providing systems. This ensures that the most current and accurate information is used in the enhanced weathering process. In embodiments, the continuously updated results are presented to the end-users on the interactive platforms or user interfaces. This allows the end-users to stay informed about the progress of the enhanced weathering process. In embodiments, the method also includes providing recommendations to the endusers based on the identification, analysis, and prioritisation performed by the screening tools. This allows the end-users to make informed decisions about the enhanced weathering process. Any system feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure. Any feature in one aspect may be applied to other aspects, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and / or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination. 5 It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for analysing and identifying one or more geographic areas suitable for an enhanced weathering process using one or more types of silicate rock, the method comprising a user interface and the method operable to communicate with one or more data sources, wherein the one or more data sources comprise map data, raw data and pre-processed data;receiving a geographical area of interest from a user via the user interface, the geographical area of interest comprising one or more pre-determined geographical areas;retrieving data related to the one or more pre-determined geographical areas from the one or more data sources, said retrieved data comprising map data and raw data and / or pre-processed data;displaying the retrieved map data via the user interface to the user;receiving a user selection of one or more data layers to display via the user interface;generating the one of more data layers using the retrieved raw and / or pre-processed data;displaying the one or more data layers via the user interface;receiving input from the user to select one or more areas of interest within the geographical area of interest; anddisplaying at least one enhanced weathering score to the user via the user interface, the enhanced weathering score being calculated for the one or more areas of interest selected by the user.
2. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising: generating at least one enhanced weathering score from the raw and / or pre-processed data.
3. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the at least one enhanced weathering score indicates an enhanced weathering suitability of each of the one or more pre-determined geographical areas.
4. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the enhanced weathering score comprises an average score indicating an enhanced weathering suitability of the geographical region of interest wherein the average score isgenerated from a plurality of scores, each of the plurality of scores pertaining to each of the pre-determined geographical areas.
5. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising identifying one or more agricultural lands and / or one or more sources of specific type of rock or mineral and displaying these to the user in the user interface.
6. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising identifying one or more modes of transportation suitable for transporting rocks or minerals to the one or more areas selected by the user or within the geographical area of interest.
7. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more data sources comprise information or data providing systems for the identification of the geographic areas, agricultural lands, sources of specific type of rock or mineral, and modes of transportation.
8. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the user interface allows the user to select elements within the user interface in order to display the underlying data from the one or more data sources.
9. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising allowing the user to edit data via the user interface, wherein the edited data is updated in the one or more data sources and the user interface is updated to show the results of the edited data.
10. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one weathering score and / or the one or more data layers are displayed in the user interface as heat maps.
11. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sources of data further comprise one or more real-time data and / or sensor data sources.
12. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the user interface is continuously updated based on data received from the one or more data sources and / or user input.
13. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising providing recommendations via the user interface to the user of one or more areas of interest using the at least one enhanced weathering score.
514. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating instructions to perform enhanced weathering at the one or more areas of interest, the instructions comprising any or any combination of: one or more locations of minerals to use in enhanced weathering operations; one or more routes to io transport minerals; one or more schedules to apply minerals in enhanced weatheringoperations; and optionally outputting said instructions.
15. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim, further comprising generating predicted enhanced weathering results at the one or more areas of is interest, the results comprising any or any combination of: predicted carbonsequestered; predicted rate at which carbon sequestered over time; predicted soil pH level over time; and optionally outputting said results.24